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Monday, March 13, 2017

When I learned I my baby's gender in my 5th month of pregnancy, I was lamenting over the idea of getting a 3D4D scan to take a sneak peak of my little bundle of joy. Due to budget constraints, we thought it would be practical for us to skip the 3D4D but when I changed my OB and hospital (this is saved for another post), I convinced my partner to have the scan since we will have extra funds then.

So I did my research and checked on reviews from forums and blogs and found out that In My Womb and W.O.M.B (World of My Baby) provides great service which is just located in the heart of Ortigas. I sent a private message to both facilities and both were professional and polite in answering my questions. However, I felt that WOMB needs extra personalized and rapport with possible customers. The answers that were given to me were kind of a template that it felt that they just want to end any inquiries asap unlike IMW, they offer suggestions what's the best package to avail etc.

WOMB is cheaper than IMW but with the customer service experience I had, I opted to pick In My Womb Megamall branch. Another factor that I considered when chose In My Womb was that they will allow copying the pictures and videos in a USB flash drive. I learned that you'll need to wait for at least 5-7 days to get the CD/DVD and if I provide a new flash drive, I should be able to get it within the day! WOMB on the other hand, doesn't allow flash drives.

I was able to set an appointment and it's a good thing I did because the time I finished my scan, the place was filled up with expecting parents. You'd be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure. The scan takes around 10-30 minutes depending on the position of the baby. My baby known to be shy type even on typical monthly checkups was not facing towards us so I had to change lying to my sides for him to get moving.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Around my 4th month, I started having troubles sleeping on my back. For the life of me, finding the best position to sleep when you're pregnant was one of the most difficult task at night. I read that ideally, pregnant moms should lie on their left side for better blood circulation but I always get a ngalay feeling after a few hours and then I'd wake up with a sore shoulder.

That's when I learned that there's a pillow that's locally made and catered for pregnant women and can be used as a nursing pillow too! Nursing pillows are quite expensive so when I learned that Snug A Hug is suitable for prenatal/postnatal care, I knew I needed this.

I tried to order from their official page but it seems that if I wanted to have it shipped to my address which is outside MM, there's a possibility that I have to pick it up in the nearest postal office. I find it inconvenient so I tried my luck at Lazada. It costed me 2,300 (free shipping)

My experience with the delivery for this item is not pleasant but that's a different story. As for the product itself, I fell in love with it. It can support any position I want to the point I don't need my other pillows! It's firm yet comfortable!

If you're one of those who's having a hard time finding the best position to sleep, I strongly suggest you try this product out. No regrets!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

When I got pregnant, the first thing that I was excited to do was an ultrasound. I thought that all ultrasounds are done by just having this equipment that the OB uses to scan your abdomen but I was wrong. The transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is not as comfortable as I expected. The OB will recommend a TVS to see if the embryo is attached securely to your uterus and since it's too small to detect, TVS is recommended.

I had my TVS performed as Taytay Doctors Multispecialty Hospital and it costs roughly 700+. It's way cheaper than those from other hospitals which range to 1k-2k+. Before the procedure, you'll be asked to urinate first to make sure your bladder is empty. I'm not sure why but maybe because the wand will be inserted into your vagina, it may make you pee?

Anyway, the whole procedure is done in less than 10 mins. You'd be asked about your last menstruation period. If there's a heartbeat already, the OB should be able to see it.

Here's a snapshot of my baby in his ultrasound via TVS. Overall, I had 3 TVS.

Tip: Ask your OB if you can record the whole procedure, it's a good keepsake :)

Sept 28: I learned I have a submucosal myoma, the darker circle is my baby

Sunday, November 27, 2016

From childhood, we Pinoys were fond of cheap yet delicious foods. On a hot summer afternoon, the typical merienda or dessert would be ice candy in variant flavors - buko, mango, milo to name a few. You can typically buy ice candy from 2-5 pesos which kids can really afford.

Fast forward from your childhood, you became enlightened to enjoy to alcohol, beer, having good time with friends. Now, there is a product launching very soon that will bring out your childhood memories in a more adult way.

LIKR Creative Foods came up with a product bringing ice candy to a new level. Lollibooze is an alcostick that looks like your typical ice candy but gives you that kick of alcohol. It may take several Lollibooze to get you drunk though but hey, the flavors are made from authentic liqour and ingredients. The best part, they are super affordable with price ranging from 50-80 pesos! That's way cheaper that getting those shots from your favorite bartender.

Lollibooze can be part of your party with friends or even a company event. You don't need to get everyone drunk but get that party going and bring some fun! If you're interested in ordering Lollibooze, send then an email to: likr.creativefoods@gmail.com

Friday, November 25, 2016

Since 2015, my partner and I have discussed plans of starting our own family. Honestly as a woman in my 30's, I was a bit pressured that I might not be able to conceive. I even had a half-meant joke "hinde na makakaantay egg cells ko" and of course there was my fear that I won't be able to bear my own child.

This 2016, since I moved in with my partner we've been constantly trying. He was working in a call center so our schedule and offs felt like we're living in the same house but different timezones. It's really challenging but then on my part I felt we shouldn't be panicking yet if we can't have a baby in our first year living together.

I made some research and took advice from friends, I even looked for a specialist for reproductive health & infertility but when I was planning to visit the doctor, things got crazy with my personal life that I had to cancel my plans in visiting my doctor.

Then came the last week of September and my period was due. Normally, I would feel bloated along with back pains and a brown spotting but the day when I was supposed to have my 1st day, I didn't have it.

Deep inside I was praying "Sana po eto na" then I started researching what brand of pregnancy test I should use and when is the best day to test just to be. I've tested 3 times, yes 3 times because I'm that paranoid.

*Blue Cross*
I first stumbled upon Blue Cross Pregnancy Strip,it just costs 75 pesos. To use it, you just use the container that comes along with the package to catch your first morning urine and dip the strip. After seeing the result, I cried. I cried because I only saw 1 line but felt like I'm seeing 2 lines but the line is barely visible. I was thinking that my desire to have a child is too strong that I'm already imagining things. With my heart feeling defeated, I stared at the strip again and throw it in the trash bin.

*Medic*
After my PT that day, I still didn't have my period. This gave me hope that maybe just maybe, the first test was wrong or maybe I did it too early. I've read that it's advisable to try again a few days after missing your period and with a different brand just to be sure. So, I bought 2 Medic Pregnancy test kits that costs 110 each.

The next day, which is my 2nd day of missing my period. I ran a test again in the morning, this time the second line is much visible but still faint.

This time, I was positive that I'm 50% possibly pregnant. I started chatting with my closests female friends asking if the same thing happened with their tests. They were all positive and cheering that I'm probably pregnant and should wait another day to test.

I literally cried after seeing those 2 lines. When my partner came home, I told him the news and he's indeed happy.

I asked my partner to retrieve the Blue Cross so that I can have a remembrance :)